One whole year later, T-ara and MBK Entertainment trademark dispute comes to a conclusion.
On December 28th, 2017, MBK Entertainment applied for trademark rights on T-ara (티아라) in four categories: 41 (entertainment, etc.), 09 (photography, film, etc.), 03 (cosmetics, etc.), and 25 (clothing, etc.). On June 27th of 2018, KIPRIS refused their application in accordance to Article 34 Section 1 Item 6 of the Trademark Act but the final verdict was yet to be made. On August 27th of 2018, MBK Entertainment applied for an extension of two categories: 41 and 09.
On October 22nd and November 8th of 2018, categories 03 and 25 were officially rejected respectively. On January 3rd of 2019, category 09 was officially rejected. Finally, on January 8th of 2019, category 41 was officially rejected as well.
All applications were rejected on the same grounds, in accordance to Article 34 Section 1 Item 6 of the Trademark Act, that states a trademark that consists of the name, title, portrait, signature, seal/stamp, literary name, pen name, stage name, of a prominent person cannot be registered.
The members of T-ara will be able to use their name without interference.
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Source: KIPRIS

On June 27th, KIPRIS (Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service) published a Notification of Reason for Refusal to MBK Entertainment's class 41 (entertainment) trademark application of T-ara's name. The Notification indicates that as per Article 34 Section 1 Item 6 of the Trademark Act, the trademark for T-ara, a well known celebrity group, cannot be registered.
Article 34 Section 1 Item 6 of the Trademark Act states a trademark that consists of the name, title, portrait, signature, seal/stamp, literary name, pen name, stage name, of a prominent person cannot be registered.
Registration can only be possible if the applicant (MBK Entertainment) submits an agreement from the group members for the trademark.
The legal status of the applicant still remains Under Examination. A final verdict will be made if the applicant submits no further documents in 3 months time.
Previously, MBK Entertainment's trademark application for classes 03 (cosmetics, laundry formulations, etc.), 25 (clothing, footwear, hats), 09 (science, photography, educational equipment) were refused as well.
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Source: KIPRIS